The original version of this piece was scored for eight voices and was first
performed in concert by the Atelier laboratoire of the Université de Montréal in
1972. “P-A” is based on a series of French phonemes in order of increasing sonority,
from [p] to [a]. It is a classical stochastic piece, where the details of structure
are realized according to probability rules. The overall form is nevertheless very
simple and directional: a large crescendo of all considered sound parameters
(densities, durations, intensities, variety of timbres). The role of the computer in
the composition has thus been of detailed decision making directed by a precomposed
global structure. The present version has been synthesized by computer, with Music V,
at the Université d'Aix-Marseilles. It uses pseudo-vocal timbres, based on a model of
formatic structures of phonemes, consisting mainly of modulated noise in several
limited frequency bands. Undertaken in the solitude of Luminy, this version was
intended to counterbalance the bitter experience of an earlier synthesis realized in
Montréal in 1971 with insufficient means and experience. In this it succeeded, at
least by allowing me to conclude the venture nearly without regrets. DL

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